Resignation to one’s fate softens the sting of unfulfilled ambition.

Evidence

A third device for reducing the significance of the struggle for status and “success” is resignation, a reluctant acceptance of one’s fate. When some men assume this posture of resignation one senses a pose; their secret hopes and ambitions will not down. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2172 (#complicates, via linked claim)

“All this paper,” said Schlichtmann, more to himself than to Crowley. “It represents nine years of my life. Why did I do it?” He paused for a moment and then answered his own question. “Pride, greed, ambition. Getting rich by doing good.” … “I’m thirty-nine years old,” continued Schlichtmann, “and I’ve dug one fucking big hole. A man couldn’t dig a bigger hole.” — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action, 3141 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Resignation to one’s class position is often a defensive pose masking ambition — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2172; Pride and ambition can drive people to pursue justice into ruin — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action , 3141; The belief that change is impossible dissolves the obligation to act — Anna Kornbluh, Immediacy, or The Style of Too Late…, 316

Broader Connections

• Resignation to one’s class position is often a defensive pose masking ambition #complicates (0.82) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2172
• Pride and ambition can drive people to pursue justice into ruin #complicates (0.75) — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action, 3141